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We’re all familiar with peak wedding season in Canada. From June to about mid-October, couples across the country are taking advantage of nice weather and summer holidays to tie the knot. But what about engagements? It turns out that winter is actually the most popular season for couples to get engaged. As the days get shorter and colder, you might have already seen the ads for engagement rings creeping up on your social media.

The winter months provide some great opportunities to propose to your special someone. Besides the magic of the Christmas holidays and the romance of Valentine’s day, you’ve got many more options to make your proposal a memorable one.

Here’s a list of 10 totally romantic ideas to get you inspired.

The Cozy Proposal

Colder temperatures in late fall and winter bring us closer together. There’s nothing quite like a cozy romantic night in with your partner – the perfect setting for a proposal. Make some warm drinks like hot chocolate or mulled wine, and slip into ultimate coziness before you pop the question.

If you want to send it over the top and be super cute, present your partner with a custom mug that reads “will you marry me?” It might sound silly, but it will make for an adorable keepsake to commemorate the event. Make sure to have some alternative beverages on hand in case they’re not in the mood for a hot beverage.

The First Snow Proposal

This one is simple but effective. It will require some flexibility, however. You’ve got to be ready when that first dusting of snow appears. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an overnight snowfall, which means you can set up your proposal before your partner wakes up.

If that’s the case, you can make a trail of footprints leading towards a question (maybe also written in the snow) or somewhere where you’ll be ready to propose. If not, you can take advantage of a first snowfall when you’re out and about and propose then. In either case, follow up with a special event like breakfast in bed or a romantic dinner.

The Winter Stroll Proposal

Whether it’s a nice walk on a crisp winter morning, or a magical stroll through an illuminated city, the winter stroll is a classic proposal idea. Even if there’s no snow on the ground, you’ll both be invigorated by the glittering frost and chill air.

Choose a nice path to walk along, like a park or quaint corner of your town. A sunrise walk is also a great idea. Try to find a place that’s relatively quiet. If there’s snow on the ground, find an area that people haven’t walked on yet. Reward yourselves with a nap and enjoy the rest of your day together.

The Surprise Family Visit Proposal

The winter seasons brings many opportunities for family visits, whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. In many cases – especially if you’re a young couple – you might find yourself splitting up to visit your respective families. How about this time you pretend you’re leaving, but show up at your partner’s family gathering to propose instead?

You can really play this one up. Say your tearful goodbyes, and then surprise your partner when they answer the door wondering who it could be. This is a great way to incorporate the family into your proposal – but keep in mind it might not be for everyone!

The Holiday Lights Proposal

Christmas lights can sometimes be a bit of a competition, especially in the suburbs. It seems like they are going up earlier every year – and people are not shying away from going all out. Why not get in on it and set your proposal against a magical, illuminated backdrop?

If you want to take it to the next level, you could set up the question written in lights. At the very least, create your own romantic space (whether indoors or outdoors) with a few well-placed coloured lights. Make sure you get some private time to set it all up.

The Skating Rink Proposal

If you’re like most Canadians, chances are you know your way around a skating rink. Ice skating is a classic winter activity that can be very romantic. It’s the perfect setting for a winter proposal no matter how skilled you are.

If you’re a pro, you can reserve the rink for just the two of you and glide gracefully around your partner as you propose. If you’re not, you can always score some points for being adorably clumsy. If you don’t want to take a chance with your balance, you might want to skip this one altogether!

The Christmas Morning Proposal

If you want to make your winter proposal extra memorable, there’s no better way than to tie it in with Christmas. You can borrow some of that Christmas magic and propose to your partner surrounded by friends and family, or plan a quiet romantic Christmas morning for just the two of you.

Proposing in front of the tree is a classic – you can even present the ring disguised as a Christmas gift. You can also get creative and embed the proposal in a tree ornament or stocking. These are all cute ways to create special moments you’ll treasure forever.

The New Year’s Eve Proposal

If there’s anything more classic than the Christmas proposal, it’s probably the New Year’s proposal. Everything is already set up for you, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to go out for a special evening – complete with champagne and celebrations.

Time it right, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable winter proposal. Find a romantic place for the countdown, and let the surrounding revelry set the stage for an amazing moment. Propose just after midnight and then join the party! Fireworks, champagne, dressing up and being around loved ones – what more could you ask for? Plus, you’ll add excitement to an already festive atmosphere.

The Winter Activity Proposal

For some people, winter means adventure. There’s a host of outdoor activities to enjoy during your typical Canadian winter, from skiing to snowboarding to hiking. If your partner is into that lifestyle, there’s no better way to make your proposal stand out than by pumping it with some adrenaline.

Whatever your chosen winter activity is, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to propose to your partner. You can plan it so you propose at the bottom of a ski hill, when you reach the end of your cross-country trail, or when you’ve found a secluded spot on your hike. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’ve planned a relaxing and romantic evening to follow it up.

The Winter Getaway Proposal

If you live somewhere that doesn’t see any snow, you can always plan for a winter getaway with your partner. If you’re so inclined, there are many destinations that can offer you stunning backdrops for a perfect winter proposal. Everyone loves a romantic getaway after all.

If you set out to explore Scandinavian countries or even take an Alaskan cruise, you’ll have many breathtaking opportunities to create memorable moments. Check out places where you might see the magical northern lights for the ultimate winter proposal!

The Randor story started way back in 1988, when Randy Moss moved from Montreal to Toronto to start a business supplying gold and diamond jewellery to retailers in Southern Ontario and Quebec.

With years of jeweller experience and a certification from the Gemological Institute of America, Randy steadily built the Randor brand by developing relationships with wholesalers. These connections made Randor into a name synonymous with value in the Canadian jewellery industry.

As his trusted reputation grew, demand for Randor jewellery increased, and we started selling directly to the public in 1998. We’ve been serving the people of Toronto with our knowledge and skill ever since.

Over the years, Randor has become a favourite among jewellery shoppers looking for the perfect diamonds at the right price. We’ve also become known for our unique custom engagement rings, and we couldn’t have gotten there without our amazing in-house team.

This year, we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate our 30 years of success with you, our loyal customers.

To this day we are always more than happy to share our knowledge and experience so that you can make the right decision about your jewellery.

From the team at Randor, we’d like to thank each and every one of you for your support. We’re looking forward to continuing our story with you in the years to come.

So, you’ve made the big decision to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage. Good for you! Next comes the second big decision: buying an engagement ring. With so many types of engagement rings out there, this can seem like a daunting process. However, there’s hope. If you’re like most people, you’ll have to think about the cost of the ring, and that means setting a budget. Fortunately, it also means you’ll narrow down your options considerably once you figure out how much you can spend.

It might not be romantic, but setting an engagement ring budget makes a lot of sense. After all, you don’t want to end up in a difficult financial situation before you’ve even popped the question – save that for after your wedding day!

Start off by Reviewing Your Current Expenses

There are many rules of thumb about how much to spend on an engagement ring – you’ve probably heard the “two months salary” clichés. These are just broad guidelines, but they point to a simple truth: buy a ring that matches your financial reality.

Be smart about setting a budget. Don’t just figure out how much you make in a month and start shopping. Take into account your debts, your expenses, bills, mortgage payments, taxes and everything else your money is going to.

Take the time to subtract your monthly expenses from your income, and consider any existing long-term debts. If you have savings, great – just make sure they aren’t needed for something else. Bottom line: if you don’t think you can afford a ring that will suit you right now, then wait. Plan for it in the future and start saving towards your goal.

Coming up with a budget in this way won’t just help you buy an engagement ring. It will also make financial planning easier in every aspect of your life. Remember, the engagement ring is only part of the first step. Once you propose, you’ll need to focus on paying for your wedding and honeymoon, so it makes sense to get your finances in order now.

How to Get Good Value in an Engagement Ring

Now that you’ve set your budget, it’s time to shop for a ring. Since you’re operating within a limited framework, you’ll want to focus on getting the best value for your dollar. Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal.

Prioritize Cut

You’ve heard of the 4 Cs – cut, color, clarity and carat weight. For maximum value, focus on the cut (not to be confused with the shape) of the diamond. If you get a ring with an excellent cut, it will reflect light in just the right way to give it that classic sparkle. On the other hand, if the cut is sub-par the diamond will look dull. Prioritizing the cut will ensure your ring provides the most impact for your money.

Be Smart with Carat Weight

Carat weight affects the size of the diamond, and can really make the price go up fast. Save some money by buying a diamond that is slightly shy of a full carat in size. For example, a 0.9-carat diamond will cost less than a 1-carat diamond, but the difference in size will be negligible.

Consider Shopping Online

You can save quite a lot of money by shopping for an engagement ring online. Online jewelers don’t have to spend money on expensive showrooms and storefronts, so they can sell diamonds for less. Plus, shopping online makes it really easy to compare prices and quality between jewelers.

In the end, buying an engagement ring isn’t that complicated if you set a budget. Follow these tips, and you’ll have more time – and money – to spend planning your wedding day!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it all the festive cheer – and food – we love to partake in every year. With all the eating, drinking, and merrymaking, it’s no surprise that the most popular time to pop the question is between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. It’s a time of year when spirits are high, vacations are planned, and families have gathered to celebrate.

If you’re planning a holiday proposal, you’ve got to make sure that you pull it off flawlessly. Despite it being a great time to do it, you need to properly navigate all the potential pitfalls this season can present. Here are 10 of our favorite, season-specific tips that will help you make your holiday proposal a memorable one for all.

Be prepared.

Chances are you’re going to be nervous – most people are. There’s no shame in writing down what you want to say and rehearsing it a few times before the big moment. Go ahead and do it in front of a mirror. It might sound like a strange thing to do, but you will be glad you did it when the moment of truth arrives.

Think about her family.

We don’t mean automatically include her family in the event. Just consider the family situation. If your soon-to-be fiancé has a close-knit family that loves you, you might want to include them. If you’d like the proposal to be just you two, then go for it!

Consider doing it at home.

Instead of proposing in a crowded restaurant, consider hiring a chef for a romantic, home-cooked meal. Do you have the skills? Prepare a delicious dinner for her – but don’t get lost in making it too elaborate.

If you’re traveling, be covert…

If you’re taking a plane, pack the ring in your carry-on luggage (rather than keeping it in your pocket) to prevent airport security from spoiling the surprise!

…And do it sooner than later.

If you’re planning a destination proposal, pop the question on the first day so you can relax for the rest of the trip. There’s nothing worse than nerves putting a damper on your fun.

Seduce her senses.

Make your proposal unforgettable by incorporating all five senses. The scent of fresh pine, a mug of hot cocoa, a roaring fire, a cozy blanket, and seasonal songs playing in the background will make for a memorable setting.

Secure the ring.

This tip might not be romantic, but be sure that the ring is secure inside the box before putting it in your pocket so it doesn’t pop out. Proposing without the box? Safety pin it to the inside of your pants pocket for extra security.

Insure the ring.

As a follow up to the above, insure the ring before you propose. Again, this isn’t romantic, but accidents happen. Be prepared for them!

Choose the right day.

Avoid proposing on or right before someone else’s big day or any other special day. This includes birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. This is an important thing to remember since you’re choosing the holiday season to propose.

Be creative, but clear.

Writing a poem or composing a song for your proposal is great, but make sure finish with the precise words: “Will you marry me?” It will prompt your sweetie to give you the answer you’re waiting to hear!

If you’re shopping for the perfect engagement ring, you’ve most likely encountered an overwhelming amount of styles and options. That being said, there is a way to narrow down your search beyond the standard considerations like the 4Cs (carat, cut, clarity and colour). You need to find an engagement ring that will suit the hand it’s going to be placed on.

Think of it like buying a piece of clothing. You will consider what the clothes look like themselves, but the real test will be how they look on you. It’s the same with engagement rings. In this case, it’s all about finding a ring that will complement the structure of your hand and fingers.

Engagement Rings and Finger Types

There are many guides out there about matching ring styles to your hand, and they all essentially come down to these criteria: finger length and width.

Before we get into our specific guide, it’s important to remember a general rule: choose a ring that matches your personality and style. There are technical considerations that come with different finger types, but don’t let that be the deciding factor. This guide is meant to complement and further narrow down your choices once you’ve got an idea of what type of ring you’d like – and remember, all rings can be re-sized and customized for your particular needs.

So let’s take a look at how an engagement ring will interact with your finger.The first measurement you should look at when considering a ring is finger length.

Long Fingers

If you’re dealing with long and relatively thin fingers, you’ve got many engagement ring options that will look great on them. Here are a few points to consider that will complement long fingers of a slender nature.

This engagement ring is a particularly strong and dynamic choice for people with long, slender fingers.

Short Fingers

In this case, you typically want to choose an engagement ring that will serve to elongate the appearance of the finger, regardless of how wide they are. Note that when dealing with short fingers, you need to be careful not to choose a ring that will overpower the finger.

Narrower bands will create the illusion of length

Pear, oval and marquise diamonds will complement shorter fingers

Rectangular shaped stones can also serve to elongate the appearance of the finger

This white gold ring is the perfect example of flattering ring for short fingers.

Finger width is another criterion that should be looked at, but generally speaking there are more specific things you need to consider when dealing with thick or wide fingers.

Wide Fingers

Think of wide fingers as a bigger canvas for showing off the engagement ring. That means that you want to use it – don’t go for a small ring that shows too much skin on either side of it. Consider the following points:

Thicker bands will help balance out the finger’s width

Wide oval, marquise or rectangular shaped diamonds will complement this type of finger

Bold and asymmetrical designs can be put to good use in this case

A split-shank band such as this piececan also help to elongate the finger

Very Slender Fingers

No matter then length, it’s important to keep in mind that if the fingers are very slender, you don’t want to overpower them – even though longer fingers can carry a bit more boldness on them. That’s the only rule you need to think about in this case.

Big Knuckles

If you’ve been blessed with big knuckles, you might want to take attention away from them and make sure people are focusing on the ring. Wide bands and ornate centres are a great way to achieve this.

These simple guidelines will help refine your search for the perfect engagement ring without compromising your personal style. Browse Randor’s wide range of styles and designs with this in mind, and be sure to reach out if you have any questions.

The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to relax and spend time with close friends and family. Good company is central to this time of the year, as well as food, tradition and gift giving. No matter the holiday you choose to celebrate, receiving a gift from a significant other in your life goes beyond a formality. It’s a way to show that you’ve been thinking of them, that you’ve put some thought and some time into them – beyond what you do every day. If you are pondering what to get your significant other, consider some of our fine jewelry pieces from Randor!

A Designer Diamond Pendant –

Featured: Style ID P3829

There are plenty of ways to show your deep admiration for somebody but three circles of round cut diamonds with a diamond bale displays a whole other level of appreciation. This piece that comes in a bright 18kt White Gold that is sure to impress your significant other and complement their holiday attire.

Designer Rings –

Featured: Style ID R8350

This ring is encrusted with black pavé diamonds giving it a very elegant and classic look. The beautifully cut band is made from a 14kt White Gold, featuring a design on the inner band that offers a contrast to the diamonds. With its unisex design, it’s the perfect gift-giving option. You could even get yourself one too, to match your significant other!

Diamond Tennis Bracelet—

Featured –Style ID: 0489a70a

This diamond bracelet is a simple yet gorgeous way to remind your significant other that they mean the world to you. Featuring bezel-set brilliant round cut diamonds, it’s a versatile choice because it allows you to choose your metal-type and your Kt. Gift this bracelet in a White or Yellow Gold in 14 or 18Kt. This is guaranteed to surprise them!